The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant ruling, refusing to grant an extension to the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards for registering all waqf properties on the centralised Ummid portal. The court has made it clear that the existing deadline of December 31, 2025, remains absolute and must be adhered to without further delay.
The Court's Firm Stance on the Deadline
A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah heard the plea seeking an extension. The counsel representing the Waqf bodies argued that the process of digitising and uploading records for thousands of properties across the country was complex and time-consuming. They requested additional time to complete this mammoth task comprehensively.
However, the Supreme Court bench was not convinced by these arguments. The justices emphasized that sufficient time had already been allotted for the registration process. The court pointed out that the directive for creating a digital inventory was not new and that the authorities had been aware of their responsibilities. Granting an extension, the bench suggested, would only lead to further procrastination and defeat the purpose of bringing transparency and accountability to waqf property management.
Background and Importance of the Ummid Portal
The Ummid portal (Unique ID for Monitoring of Immovable Waqf Properties Digitally) is a flagship initiative launched by the government. Its primary objective is to create a national digital database of all waqf properties in India. This move is aimed at preventing encroachment, mismanagement, and illegal sale of these charitable assets dedicated for religious and community purposes.
The portal assigns a unique identification number to each waqf property, capturing details like its location, area, nature of use, and revenue generated. The Supreme Court had earlier set the December 31, 2025, deadline for the completion of this registration drive, making it mandatory for all state boards to comply.
Implications and Next Steps for Waqf Boards
The court's decisive order leaves no room for ambiguity. All State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council must now expedite their efforts to meet the year-end deadline. Failure to do so could potentially lead to contempt proceedings or other judicial actions.
This ruling is seen as a major push towards modernising the administration of waqf estates, which constitute one of the largest portfolios of charitable real estate in the world. A complete digital record is expected to streamline management, enhance revenue generation for community welfare, and protect these properties from legal disputes and unauthorized occupation.
The Supreme Court has also directed the concerned authorities to submit periodic progress reports to ensure compliance. The message from the highest court is clear: the era of delays in this crucial reform is over, and the digitisation process must be completed with utmost urgency.
